Laws and policies that prohibit sexual harassment:

Consistent with Title IX, Title VII and other federal and state laws, UGA’s Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment (NDAH) Policy and the University System of Georgia's Sexual Misconduct Policy prohibit sexual harassment, including sexual violence, by any UGA student or employee, or by any UGA contractor, volunteer or campus visitor, against any other member of the University community. Domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are also prohibited under these policies.

Sexual harassment/violence may also, in some instances, constitute a crime.

How is Sexual Consent Defined?

For purposes of administering the NDAH and Sexual Misconduct Policies, “consent” is words or actions that show a knowing and voluntary willingness to engage in mutually agreed- upon sexual activity. Consent cannot be gained by force, intimidation or coercion, by ignoring or acting over the objections of another, or by taking advantage of the incapacitation of another where such incapacitation is known or reasonably should be known to the responding party. Silence or the absence of resistance does not imply consent. Past consent does not imply present or future consent. The sexual activity cannot exceed the scope of the consent that is given. Minors under 16 cannot consent.

Who is protected?

Persons of all gendersare protected, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Third partiesare protected where harassment directed at others, or sexual conduct between consenting participants, adversely affects the third party’s work or learning environment.

Persons in positions of authorityare protected against sexual harassment by their subordinates, as well as vice versa.

When and how to report sexual harassment?

Any UGA student, employee or other University community member who believes, or receives a complaint, that sexual harassment has or is occurring should contact the EOO at the office number and address listed on this brochure’s cover.

Any UGA administrator, supervisor, faculty, instructor, graduate TA, resident advisor or other person in a position of authority who knows of, or receives a complaint of, sexual harassment must report this to the EOO. Failure to so report may result in discipline.

The EOO will investigate the complaint or report and take appropriate action. While confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, care will be taken to protect the complainant’s identity, when requested. Complaints can also be made anonymously, but this may limit the extent to which the complaint can be investigated.

A description of the EOO’s investigation, resolution, and appeal procedures is available at:

Note: Reporting sexual harassment to the EOO does not replace the right to pursue other options or remedies under the law, nor satisfy any timeliness requirements for asserting a legal claim. Impacted individuals also have the right not to report matters of sexual harassment.

Reporting sexual crimes:

Off-campus sexual assault and other sexual harassment that may constitute a crime should immediately be reported to local law enforcement at 911.

On-campus sexual assaults and crimes should immediately be reported to the University police at 911 or (706) 542-2200.

Additionally, regardless of the place of occurrence, sexual assault and other sexual harassment that may constitute a crime should be reported to the EOO.

Yes. The NDAH and Sexual Misconduct Policies prohibit retaliation for making a good faith complaint about sexual harassment, including sexual violence, or for participating in or otherwise being associated with an investigation of alleged sexual harassment/violence.

Anyone who believes, or receives a complaint, that prohibited retaliation has or is occurring should immediately contact the EOO. Retaliation is also unlawful under Title IX and Title VII.